Course Descriptions
ERS 100--Introduction to Minority Cultures in the United
States
An examination of the persistence of minority and ethnic
problems in the United States and consideration of the
contributions, parallels, similarities, and differences between
and among ethnic and minority groups.
ERS 110--Myth & Reality: An Examination of Ethnic & Racial
Stereotypes
This course will trace how popular entertainment mediums such as
film, television, books, comics, "wild west shows", music and
cartoons have impacted perceptions of ethnic and racial groups
from the early seventeenth century to the present. Besides
analyzing the persuasive power of these types of mediums, it
will examine why such representations were created and why they
still persist. The mythopoeic image that surrounds
American Indians, African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics
and other minority groups will be juxtaposed against the
historical reality that these groups have faced and the
contemporary inequalities that we still must confront.
ERS/ENG 207--Multicultural Literature of the United States
This course examines cultural themes in American literature in
an effort to enhance student awareness of the multi-ethnic
nature of American culture. Students engage in close
reading, discussion, analysis, and interpretation of texts
written by individuals from a variety of American ethnic and
cultural backgrounds. Content varies with instructor.
Prerequisite: ENG 110 (Cross-listed with ENG 207; may only
earn credit in ERS or ENG.)
ERS/ENG 210--Literature of Black America
Survey and exploration of Black American prose and poetry from
their eighteenth century beginnings to the end of the Harlem
Renaissance and the Depression years. Prerequisite:
ENG 110 (Cross-listed with ENG 210; may only earn credit
in ERS or ENG.)
ERS/ENG 215--African American Authors
A study of the principal post-depression (1940-present) African
American authors, critics and scholars which clarifies the
relationship between these writers and the general field of
American literature and which illustrates their unique
contributions as representatives of African American culture.
Prerequisite: ENG 110 (Cross-listed with ENG; may only
earn credit in ERS or ENG.)
ERS 251--Theories of Racial and Ethnic Relations in the United
States
An introductory course that examines leading theories of racial
and ethnic relations in the United States and assesses their
significance and relevance in explaining historic and
contemporary relations between the white majority and the racial
and ethnic minorities. It also analyzes and evaluates the
impact of various laws, policies, and programs on racial and
ethnic relations.
ERS 253--Introduction to Wisconsin Indians
An introductory examination of Wisconsin Indians with specific
reference to the Ho-Chunk, Menominee, Ojibwa, Oneida,
Potawatomi, and the Stockbridge-Munsee communities. Using
an interdisciplinary approach, topics will include sovereignty,
land use and environmental issues, education, economic
development, social issues and challenges, and tribal identity.
The course will also explore each tribe's responses to both
state and federal governments.
ERS 300--Topics and Symposiums in Ethnic and Racial Studies
Topics selected by the individual instructor or by the
students and instructor together. Special interest of both
the instructor and students such as Black drama or Native
American art, or other areas of concern which are either not
covered or briefly dealt with in formal course work may be the
vehicles for this offering. Repeatable for credit--maximum
6.
ERS 343--American Indian Contemporary Issues
This course is an interdisciplinary examination of American
Indian contemporary experience in the United States. It
will introduce students to some of the critical issues in
American Indian studies by examining the place of American
Indians within the American imagination, politics and society.
The course concentrates on issues of tribal sovereignty,
economics, social class and structure, and the difficulties of
maintaining a tribal identity in the 21st Century.
(Cross-listed with SOC 243.)
ERS 400/500--Individual Study in Ethnic and Racial Studies
Directed reading and research under the supervision of an
instructor. Prerequisite: permission of the
instructor. Repeatable for credit--maximum 6.
ERS 410/510--Contemporary Issues in Ethnic and Racial Studies
An introduction to ethnic minority groups in the United States
today emphasizing the historical antecedents of contemporary
issues with particular attention to the problems of ethnic
groups and educational institutions. Offered Sem. I.
ERS 490--Ethnic and Racial Studies Seminar
This capstone course is designed as a culminating experience for
students completing a minor in Ethnic and Racial Studies.
Students will complete their ERS portfolios containing samples
of all courses taken for the minor. In addition, students
will be required to write a reflective essay that reviews the
course materials in the portfolios. Students will also
write a seminar research paper which analyzes some aspect of
ethnic and racial experience in the United States.
Prerequisite: ERS 100, 251, and 12 credits from core and
elective courses. Offered Sem. II.